Aberdeen City Council's move yesterday to keep central Union Street open to buses is extremely controversial - and could also cost the local authority £20million in lost funding.
Many people in the business community have been left disappointed as they feel pedestrianisation is key to unlocking a brighter future for the city centre.
At the start of this week, almost 140 Aberdeen bosses operating in a variety of business sectors issued an open letter to councillors, expressing their support for pedestrianisation of the stretch of road between Union Terrace and Market Street.
The letter states: "Removing traffic and creating an attractive oasis will encourage people back into the city and allow the cafe culture we have come to enjoy during the pandemic to flourish.
"In turn, the increase in footfall and dwell time will create a new dynamic that will attract and encourage new enterprises, quality retailers and hospitality operators, reducing the number of vacant units which have blighted Union Street for years."
UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak will also be watching the situation very closely.
He recently warned city councillors that £20million in funding for Aberdeen's new market could be on the line if Union Street is not pedestrianised.
'Conversation' about £20million of funding
The leading politician said there would be a "conversation" between UK and city officials about the cash.
Levelling-up funding for the redevelopment of the BHS site on the Granite Mile was announced last October. As well as promising the market, the city's application pledged there would be "some pedestrianisation".
Yesterday's decision to allow buses on the central section of Union Street was made during a full council meeting.
A report considering recommendations for the city-centre masterplan had been presented to councillors.
Council staff put forward four options for the future of central Union Street, and the one chosen was for two bus lanes with bus lay-bys.
Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: "We are keen to ensure that central Union Street is as accessible as possible.The decision to allow ongoing bus access to central Union Street means as many people as possible will have access to that important part of our city centre. It will also allow for pavement widening to make the area better for pedestrians."
Co-Leader Councillor Alex Nicoll added: "The choice made today does not stop the council introducing full pedestrianisation in the future. To do so, the council has agreed it must be satisfied both that suitable 24-hour access arrangements to central Union Street are in place for people with disabilities and limited mobility, and that suitable alternative bus and public transport arrangements are available which ensure easy bus passenger access to central Union Street."
Bus-priority route
Councillors have also agreed to creating a bus-priority route - a buses-and-taxis-only section - on Bridge Street, Guild Street (east of Wapping Street), and Market Street (north of Guild Street).
There will also be a ban on turning right from Union Terrace to Rosemount Viaduct (except for buses, taxis and cycles), and Schoolhill will be pedestrianised from Back Wynd to Flourmill Lane, with access for service vehicles only.
The Press and Journal reports today that the decision to allow buses on the central section of Union Street came after pleas from disability campaigners to do away with "discriminatory" plans they claimed would effectively ban them from the area.
The Disability Equity Partnership said certain groups would face being "excluded" under the proposals to stop buses.
But Aberdeen architect Richard Tinto countered with an emotive appeal for councillors to progress pedestrianisation.
He argued that delaying or dismissing the scheme would create the impression Aberdeen is a city "that can't get its act together".
Aberdeen Inspired chairman Adrian Watson told the P&J that many businesses will feel frustration that "Aberdeen will not be embracing pedestrianisation in the same way other cities have".
Case for pedestrianisation
He added: "There was a clear and compelling case for pedestrianisation, supported by many qualified consultants and council officials, as well as a considerable body of public support.
"However, we must respect the decision and move forward constructively to improve our city centre. We hope that pedestrianisation can be revisited in the future."